Barekuri: Barekuri in Assam’s Tinsukia district celebrated World Hoolock Gibbon Day on Saturday with a cycling event aimed at raising awareness about the protection of India’s only ape and its threatened habitat.

Speaking to Northeast Now, Makum MLA Sanjoy Kishan spoke about the importance of protecting the endangered primates and their natural habitats.

“Conserving the hoolock gibbon, the pride of Assam, protecting its natural habitat and raising public awareness about biodiversity conservation are the primary objectives of such initiatives. We must all play a responsible role in protecting every wild animal, including the hoolock gibbon, to maintain the balance of nature,” Kishan said.

The winners were felicitated with prizes to encourage greater participation in conservation-related activities.

Among those present were Moran Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Arunjyoti Moran, Kamaleswar Chetia of the Barekuri Environment-Tourism Development Society, Barekuri Gaon Panchayat president Naba Jyoti Chutia, Barekuri police station officer-in-charge Biraj Das, Yagyakhowa-Denka gaon pradhan Bakul Gogoi, Tarajan-Hatigarh gaon pradhan Mukul Kurmi and Tinsukia District Journalists’ Association secretary Biplab Chetia.

Located around 16 km from Tinsukia town, Barekuri has gained recognition for the remarkable coexistence of people and western hoolock gibbons.

Around 20–21 gibbons belonging to five family groups reportedly inhabit the village surroundings, relying on bamboo groves and fruit-bearing trees.

Habitat fragmentation, electrocution and food scarcity are among the challenges facing western hoolock gibbons. Conservation measures include planting fruit-bearing trees and developing green corridors to improve habitat connectivity.

The cycling event was organised as part of Barekuri’s community-led conservation efforts, with the aim of encouraging public participation and promoting eco-tourism.